December 2018

Meet Rebecca – an Ossington Instructor known for her signature hip hop vibe. She’s fun-loving, approachable, and offers a RIDE experience that is the perfect combination of a great sweat and fun time.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Scarborough, in a small area called 400. Honestly, I grew up in the hood. It was an adventure everyday and I loved it.

Can you remember your first RIDE class? How long did it take until you realized you wanted to become an Instructor?

My first ever RIDE class was actually my audition to be a RIDE Instructor. It.was.disaster. I had no idea what they hell I was doing, and for some odd reason I left and said, I think I should do this. I e-mailed Ashley after that audition and said I know it looked BANANAS, but I can do this.

How would you describe your teaching style?

Basement bashment. You know that old Sean Paul video when the guy yells out… “Stop banging on the damn furnace”… it’s like that.

Best part of being an Instructor is…

I get to build a space of inclusiveness and belonging for a lot different people. Of course I play a lot of Hip Hop, but I play everything from Old and New School, Afro Beats, Pop and Reggae and EDM … nothing gets untouched. It makes me so happy when people feel important and included in spaces where they might feel slightly outside of a certain box.

Another amazing part of this job is I get to take care of people’s hearts, physically and emotionally. I want their hearts to be happy and healthy. I don’t give a shit about weight. I want people to have fun. I want them to forget about anything that won’t serve them in that room and out. I want them to enjoy life, one song at a time.

Last but not least, someone actually pays me to workout! I think this one of the most genius decisions I’ve ever made lol.

Track you’ve had on repeat?

THIS IS HARD! My music consumption rate is ridiculous. I’ll just go for a staple like Bey’s Lemonade.

AM or PM RIDES?

Not a morning person. PM.

Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

Walking around parking lots looking for my car.

How has becoming a RIDE Instructor changed you?

I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude doing this job. I wake up feeling grateful, lucky, and motivated.

Go-to quote or words to live by?

The way other people feel about you, is none of your business.

Who motivates you?

HAILE (pronounced ‘Hi-Lay’). My daughter. My life. She drives me insane and then says something hilarious and I get over it. She’s SO goddamn funny. She keeps me present and motivated.

Favourite book?

The Conscious Parent. – my mind was blown.
Still have to remind myself to separate my authentic self from my ego. Work in progress.
READ THIS BOOK.

What’s your #1 life hack?

Apologize. It’s not who you are, it’s OK.

Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon in the city?

I have to sit in a group piano lesson for 5 year olds, I don’t want to use the word torture…. But not even going to lie, I am staring down the clock HARD.

Any hidden or not so hidden talents?

I’m not shallow… although money, cars and hoes seems to come up a lot in conversation.

– I wrote that tweet in 2006.

Hidden talent…I think so.

If you could brunch with any person (past or present), who would it be?

Oprah.

Best memory since you joined RIDE?

Winter said it in her BIO. We were so new and taught class together that felt like a disaster, but by the end of it, we were doing the Dougie in the middle of the room together and it was magical lol.

Also, shooting that badass RIDE commercial for the new private label was awesome!

#1 piece of advice for someone looking to have a killer RIDE?

Close your eyes and be present. Every class is a new adventure.

What has you stoked on life right now?

I am SO excited for the holidays to slow down my life and enjoy some quality time with my family.

What does RIDE mean to you?

Woooow. When you’re having a good day, RIDE makes it better. When you’re having a bad day, RIDE makes it better. RIDE = happiness.

RIDE with Rebecca – find her on the Ossington Schedule.

Get to know Raegan – a Vancouver Instructor and OG Rider who brings passion, energy and motivation to every single RIDE. Raegan offers the perfect mix of challenge and fun – she’ll make you push yourself while feeling confident and strong.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up outside of Toronto, and also lived in Montreal for several years.

Can you remember your first RIDE class? How long did it take until you realized you wanted to become an Instructor?

I remember my first RIDE class like it was yesterday. I sat in the second row and was just in awe of this room moving together in unison. I have been a fitness junkie for a long time, but I found my first RIDE to be so humbling, It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. The competitive edge in me wanted to RIDE as much as I could until I was I in the front row and eventually up on the podium leading the pack.

How would you describe your teaching style?

Intense. Hard, but I always want my Riders to feel confident in themselves and know that they are always enough. The mood in my class changes depending on the day or the message I want to convey, it’s always a different journey inside that room. You never know where you will end up, and that’s the best part. My hope is that I can provide something new to strive towards each and every time.

Best part of being an Instructor is…

Being a part of something that enables people to find strength that they never thought was inside of them. I feel so invested in helping each Rider build a strong foundation from their very first class, and when you see them grow, well that’s just the topper…

Track you’ve had on repeat?

Hardest question, I have so many tracks on repeat. Today it’s “Call to Arms” – Gareth Emery (Sebastian remix). Yesterday was “Woman” by Mumford and Sons.

AM or PM RIDES?

AM 1000%.

Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

Cycling up Seymour, Grouse Grind, running, rowing, oh and dancing.

How has becoming a RIDE instructor changed you?

It’s humbled me, it’s made me stronger, it’s made me look at things in a different way. But RIDE makes me never want to quit.

Go-to quote or words to live by?

If the journey is not challenging, the destination is not rewarding. Be grateful.

Who motivates you?

People who push boundaries and stretch limits.

Favourite book?

The Valley of the Dolls. It’s a classic and still holds up.

What’s your #1 life hack?

I typically tend to steer clear of short cuts.

Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon in the city?

Usually at the studio, after class I will hike or run, then grab coffee. I love to wander around, pop into stores, shop or take my daughters to do something fun. In the winter we ski, in the summer we are always at the beach!

 

If you could brunch with any person (past or present), who would it be and why?

I lost a very special person in my life to suicide. I miss him everyday and if I could spend one day with anyone, It would be him.

Best memory since you joined RIDE?

So many memories, so many RIDES. The first year the studio opened, I vividly remember a Thursday 5:30pm class that I took with Ashley Ander. It was a Tupac themed RIDE and probably the fastest, hardest class I have ever taken up until then. I managed to stay up for every fast jog and every run. I felt like I had finally made it as a Rider. I left that night and my body was literally vibrating.

#1 piece of advice for someone looking to have a killer RIDE?

To truly let go. You need to feel free, free to move, free to feel. Don’t worry about what other people think, or how you look. Just allow the journey to unfold.

What has you stoked on life right now?

Christmas. I love spending christmas with my family. Cooking for my friends, throwing parties, drinking amazing wine and buying gifts for my favourite people, it’s literally my favourite holiday.

What does RIDE mean to you?

RIDE is my outlet. Bad day, good day, sad day, hard day. Once the doors close to that room, it’s just the energy of the people around you and the energy you bring. It feels like home.

RIDE with Raegan at our Hamilton and Lonsdale studio.